Thankfully, this month has been a whirlwind activity with my buyer clients, and I also managed to get my last listing sold in the meantime (guess I need to get some more!). 
Today, for the first time in (mumble mumble) months/years, I will be writing two offers, and I just had a closing two days ago as well. Things have picked up mightily in March for us, and I am hopeful that it will carry into the summer and fall months ahead.
Rather than focusing strictly on the good stuff that has happened for me this month, I wanted this post to illustrate the importance of networking, both in person and online. To that end, I did some thinking about the source of each of the aforementioned transactions.
Each of these deals came from different sources:
- Family
- Open House
- ActiveRain
- Localism
"Wait....back up a second....did you just say Localism?!?"
Yes! In fact, it was almost surreal when the buyer contacted me.
He said simply, "Hi, Jason, I've been reading your blog on Localism for awhile now, and my wife and I would like to work with you to buy a new house and have you sell our current place."
Please note that he didn't just say "your blog" or "your blog on ActiveRain". He specified Localism, which was the first time that someone has said that to me during an initial call. It doesn't mean that there weren't others, but this guy was so specific about it. Please also note that he had already decided to work with me exclusively.
So far during 2009, I have been contacted by at least half a dozen home buyers who came straight from my blog, and who don't have any intention of speaking to other agents at all. What a good feeling!
I wrote a post awhile back that touched on this topic, and I'm happy to see that my theories are coming to fruition now:
Blogging is a Long-Term Strategy with the Potential for Short-Term Results
Projecting forward, I would anticipate that at least half of my business for 2009 will be coming from my blogging and social media efforts. Thankfully, I no longer have to answer the question, "Is all of that time you spend online really worth it?"
My RSS feed is http://activerain.com/jasoncrouch/rss.
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If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can also visit my primary Austin real estate website at www.austintexashomes.com. If you're interested in social media training, visit 210 Consulting. Thanks!
way to go Jason...I actually had that happen last week and currently I am buzzing with activity and I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT...
Good for you Jason! Way to go!!!
There seems to have been a sudden change in the real estate market in the last few days. Don't know if it's the change of seasons, all the news about the stimulus package, or if the media coverage on new home sales did this. But I'm not complaining!
Things are picking up around here too. I've been specifically targeting most of my posts to Localism, and it seems to be increasing the amount of phone calls and e-mail inquiries that I've been getting.
Yes, all that time we spend on line is DEFINITELY worth it :)
Congratulations Jason! That's wonderful news!!
Just goes to show that the consumer IS reading what we write. And because you are so knowledgeable and 'in tune' with your area ... well, that came across loud and clear and this couple made an informed decision on who they want to represent them.
Life is good, my friend! Keep on keeping on!
Good for you! Keep it up!
Jason,
Blogging works...!!! Thanks, Fran
Jason -that's great. We had this happen about a month ago - had 8 sets of buyers going all at once. Last two weeks have been quiet. It's tougher to get deals together though and we managed three (crossing fingers) two are closing in the next two weeks (about time). Just goes to show how great blogging is. ~Rita
Jason, One of my agents got his first lead from AR. Lets hope this trend continues!
Frickin' Braggart!.... I'll second Slaybaugh's query, "What's Localism?"
Ah yes, we all know people with weak listening skills and chances are we're one of them. Mix in questions with active listening and you have a winner.
Jason-I just spent a few hours with a military family who found me through my blog. Second one in a week and a listing appointment on Sunday. This stuff really works.
Well done, Jason! I am so not surprised at all. Smart clients they are indeed. And thanks so much for sharing with us and for the keep your chin up advice. When it rains, well it rains!
Congrats as always Jason! - Keeps me focused on blogging, blogging blogging! - Need that extra motivation these days :)
I think I may become a blog-a-holic!
Jason,
This is what I have been telling my wife is possible with blogging on Activerain and localism.
Could you comment on my new blog post about why we are here, tks.
Jason, this is just the kind of things that I need to hear! I have spent an incredible amount of time on this blogging, setting up website and following social media and hearing you say these things makes me feel hopeful that it WILL pay off. I am starting to get some calls here and there that seem to be coming from this effort so I am looking for it to really blossom. Hmmm it is Spring!
Hi Jason,
Yeah! Two offers in one day, that is awesome. I am amazed to hear how many people are getting more then half of their business from the internet. I am hoping to be there some day.
-Lisa
Jason - congratulations! It's so encouraging to hear that Localism matters and that consumers are finding us there. I do a lot of my blogging efforts towards Localism type posts. Thanks for sharing this good news!
Jason, thanks for the inspiring post. I just keep posting away and hoping to have the same kind of success you are experiencing.
Nice Jason...just got another listing appointment myself today. Hope you close it!
Jason, That is so awesome. I have been so busy myself. Our Metro DC market has picked up too. Maybe things are turning around. Nice to have positive news and glad to show that the work we do here makes a difference in how successful we are.
Hi Jason -- I'm very happy for you and it's good to know it's working for some agents as they gives others motivation to continue as well.
Good to see blogging is paying off for you! I have written two offers in a day several times this year. So many multiple offer situations which showings and buyer activity has increased big time.
That is really great! Congrats
We LOVE things in TWOs! Congrats..I think it has something to do with your charisma and expertise! With Localism you are the wick feeding them content.. For the social network you are displaying your likability, professionalism, appreciation for hard work and your ability to communicate; something buyers and sellers want to know their Realtor has ---I see it as an online interview we just havent realized we were having!!! Good job!
I am in the process of setting up a new website. I am currently using my localism link as my website. Home sales are up and there is talk again about hitting the bottom.
Jason, this is great news and encouraging for a newbie. I am not on Localism yet and only on at for 1 week. I have been learning so much, I am in the process of getting a website. I have been an agent for 1 yr but have learned more in this past week than i have in the past 11 months. Thanks for sharing.
Jason...that is AWESOME!! Congratulations...I just wrote a contract for my very first online client, it was such a great feeling :-)
Jason...that is AWESOME!! Congratulations...I just wrote a contract for my very first online client, it was such a great feeling :-)
Congratulations on the success Jason. I think its fantastic no matter how you get the business, whether its AR or the Localism site. The fact that you are online for people check read about you and ultimately decide to do business with you because of it. Very cool. And to have 2 contracts at once, things certainly are looking up for this month.
congratulations on your business picking up! It is so exciting when we actually get rewarded for blogging by closed deals! :)
That is exciting, and from the traffic I see on my posts to Localism, I believe this is working for me too. I really believe in it, and do a lot of local posts.
Jason,
That is awesome and thanks for sharing. I have no doubts that blogging will lead to a lot of leads/sales. There are just to many numbers out there justifying that statement already. Thanks and good luck on the offers. Just wanted to share, I wrote 2 offers on Saturday.
Good for you Jason! I agree, time online, is time well spent!
Kathy B
Jason - Way to go!! Could you send some good Karma my way - all my buyers that were running me ragged a month ago have disappeared!!!!
I did have leads from AR last year - enough so that I know it's worth it.
Keep it up - I love reading your Austin Blogs!
Kathy
Thanks for all the positive news Jason! Kudos to you for the new offers. May they be accepted and close by May!
Hey Jason,
I'm glad things are going well. Blogging does bring business.
Good job Jason, particularly the Localism lead. I wish you all the success in 2009!!
Bully for you! I'm still waiting to get a real buyer/seller/client from AR after 2 1/2 years. Nothing yet!!
Good things come to those who wait....right?
Patricia Aulson/ Portsmouth NH Real Estate
Way to go Jason!!! Pass the clients please!
This is all very heartening to read. It seems like there are starting to be little glimmers of light that I hope are coming from the end of the tunnel!
I wrote an offer for a buyer from Localism early this week. We went in over asking price, and still didn't get the property. Yes, we are seeing multiple offers in my part of the world.
Awesome! I can't wait to post a blog like this!!!!!!
This is the type of posts that will motivate us all. thanks,
Jason- that's very encouraging ! just what I needed to hear today. I have a closing in a few days just waiting on the banks approval, sure is a different market, but happy to be putting some deals together.
thanks again
Brenda
Thank you so much Jason for the inspiration! I have been lagging behind here lately - partly busy, partly just a slump!
Yeah JASON ... thank you for your encouragement (as always!)
Glad to see Localism paying off for you. Do you experience that AR is putting sufficient energy into localism to really help agents get results. Many of the localism segments of our market hardly ever have any comments. How can you tell who is reading the pages?
...oh yeah brutha !!! ...you are en fuego !!!!
Hi Jason...What great news. I didn't even know that you had shown two of my listings. To think you came all the way from Texas to give me some business.
Thanks so much and congratulations.
Kate
P.S. I'll be sure to have the champagne lemonade chilling when you arrive with the contracts.
Jason - I'm excited for you. 45% of my business for 2008 came from Blogging - not really Localism, but like you, I'm projecting it's only going to be more for 2009.
Way to go JAson. So is it bad that I just cancelled all my Localism sponsorships? I never had anyone come from that. But I love blogging.
Ronnie - I guess that was one reason that I was surprised by his comment on the phone. I think Localism has huge upside potential, but it hasn't really "arrived" yet.
Heather - Actually, it didn't come from sponsorship at all, just regular blogging. I was surprised by the source that he mentioned!
Jason, sweet!
Congrats
Bo
Dude...you're such a rock star. I've been off for a bit. Lot's of good stuff has happened to me here. I haven't had the localism call just yet. Tomorrow, perhaps.....
Great Job Jason! You go boy! Life is a lot sweeter when the work pays off!
Later in the rain~Deb
Congrats! I have had 3 agents I work with that are having the same success and it keeps getting better! Jason Please don't forget First American on your next transaction we invented the "WOW" Factor in the Title industry and would love to be lucky enough to prove it to you! Keep on Raining!
Ok, you rock. For that, you just won a prize out of the Interiority Complex prize box... ONE FREE EXPERT STAGING CONSULTATION from Interiority Complex OR a FREE DECORATING CONSULTATION FOR YOUR FAVORITE CLIENT (or yourself) OR CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGS AT WHOLESALE or a FREE MCE CLASS -- SECRETS OF STAGING TO SELL, (Live or Online) 3 TREC-Approved MCE Hours.
(You can only pick one.) :-)
P.S. Grant says HI!
Great job...Thanks
Hi Jason, WTG!! I love hearing success stories and you sure have had some success... Congratulations on the feature as well!! Take care.
This is great news. I am cautiously optimist that things are starting to change! There is a lot of "buzz" out there.
It's obvious your blogging strategy has worked well for you. More and more people are finding me online, though many say it comes through different key terms in Google.
Good to know that Localism actually works.
Jason: So how is Localism working for you? Is this the only contact you have gotten from it? I would like to hear your thoughts.
Great news Jason well done. I'm hearing a lot of realtors getting good buyer activity right now.
Very cool! We'll have to put that in the ... radio show.
Jason: Great to hear you SOLD all your listings.. on the Bad side.. Now you need to go get more ! Great problem to have.. or is it ?
Jason - well that is good news on several fronts. I ahev yet to get a lead from Localism, as far as I know, but had several emails and calls this weeks from folks looking at my AR blog. As you have clearly demonstrated, it works.!! Good luck.
Keff
I'm more shocked that you got a sale from some Open House browsers! And I love the "mumble mumble" LOL. It's in the perfect spot. I think we can all relate to that.
We send our congrats on a great week and jobs well done! It's such a great feeling and rewarding when things come to frutation -- especially in trying times.
Thanks for sharing.
Sue of Robin and Sue
Jason - like your new photo! Good job, you blog consistently and well, and really help everyone feel like they already know you. Need to get back on a little more localism myself!
Jason - like your new photo! Good job, you blog consistently and well, and really help everyone feel like they already know you. Need to get back on a little more localism myself!
Very inspirational. It made me really want to blog more and blog better.
Jason - Rock on ! I hope that is a sign of things to come for Localism. We have been posting a lot of content to Localism and have not had that come out in terms of a prospect contacting us. We have been getting leads and clients from our blog but nothing yet for Localism. I guess the keyword is "yet" ! Congrats on your recent pick up in business ! Awesome !!!! ~ Chris
Jason - Great news! Localism really does provide a lot of info to those trying to learn about a new area. It is
a huge resource. WTG!
JASON, Way to go! CONGRATS! I'm not just happy for you, I'm THRILLED to my toes! I know if you do it and I copy you I can do it too!.. LOL.. seriously, this Internet stuff really works. I'm so very glad to have found it and you and the whole Texas gang... and the whole AR land. Good job and keep on blogging, posting and working it.
Kudos to you Jason. I have been the top neighbor on my Localism for awhile now. I'm looking forward to the day I can also attest to the fact that all the blogging hours have been well worth it too!
Jason,
I am glad to say that I have had two sellers come from my localism posts and a third that didn't result in a listing. I am glad to report that AR, IMHO, is a good place to be.
That's great more proof that the system will work if you work it! Local information will bring them in. Good for you
Great job, Jason, those are the kind of calls we blog for. It brings the process full circle and when you close repost so we can celebrate.
Congratulation, how exciting!
Congrats Jason! I just got into a mulitple offer situation a few weeks ago and I was on the listing (selling) side and my client was thrilled. We have a back-up offer in place, just in case. I love to hear stories like this. Austin, Texas Rocks!!!
Nice to see the results of all the hard work!
Congrats. I can't wait to get my first phone call from my blogs. I am working very hard to improve on everything Internet, and specially my content quality. I know it will come sooner rather than later. And yes all this time on the computer will be worth it.
Jason, thanks for passing on your success stories with AR and specifically Localism. You have inspired me to do more on Localism for my specific market area. Thanks for the motivation!!
That's a very cool endorsement of Localism! Could be a sign of things to come. :)
Congrats! Gives me inspiration/motivation!
Jason,
Congrats on how busy you are... Up here in Dallas I've been busy as well! I haven't had any calls from my blogs but I know that I converted two leads from my blogs that were directed to my websites lead capture page.
Keep up the good work!
Good Job. I have got to investigate Localism more. Thanks for hsaring and I wish you the best.
Jason -- I'm catching up with my AR reading after a whirlwind week in real estate, and yes, it is great to hear people are finding Localism. It is another great avenue AR provides us to reach consumers.